Related Stories

The much-maligned Canadian pass catcher, whom the Bombers took fourth overall in the 2011 draft, is having a solid training camp and is finally gaining the trust of his coaches and quarterbacks.

“He looks like a totally different guy out there,” head coach Tim Burke said after today’s only practice at Investors Group Field. “He’s a little bit bigger, a little bit stronger, he’s got a lot more confidence, and he knows what he’s doing.

“The reason he didn’t get in last year is he didn’t know the offence well enough. And we might have asked too much of him.”

This was the year the Bombers wanted Etienne to step up his game, and so far he is doing just that. He was responsible last season for knowing all of the positions as a backup, but this year the coaching staff has allowed him to focus primarily on the ‘W’ position, which is the middle receiving spot on the wide side of the field.

Etienne has a better understanding of the playbook this year, which helps him in every area of his game.

“That’s helping me just be more comfortable and get open,” said Etienne, who has added some weight to his 6-foot-4 frame.

The 23-year-old, who has just one career catch, is very much looking forward to showing off the new Jade Etienne on Wednesday night when the Bombers host the Toronto Argonauts in pre-season action at IGF.

In other news, Chris Matthews (back) returned to the practice field this morning, as did cornerback Jovon Johnson (undisclosed), linebacker Rene Stephan (hamstring) and offensive lineman Mark Dewit (back).

Burke said the plan for Monday is to have a practice that simulates more of a game situation to get everyone prepared for Wednesday’s pre-season tilt. The Bombers will have a walk-through on Tuesday to get ready for the Boatmen.

Bombers receiver Etienne having solid training camp

The much-maligned Canadian pass catcher, whom the Bombers took fourth overall in the 2011 draft, is having a solid training camp and is finally gaining the trust of his coaches and quarterbacks.

“He looks like a totally different guy out there,” head coach Tim Burke said after today’s only practice at Investors Group Field. “He’s a little bit bigger, a little bit stronger, he’s got a lot more confidence, and he knows what he’s doing.

“The reason he didn’t get in last year is he didn’t know the offence well enough. And we might have asked too much of him.”

This was the year the Bombers wanted Etienne to step up his game, and so far he is doing just that. He was responsible last season for knowing all of the positions as a backup, but this year the coaching staff has allowed him to focus primarily on the ‘W’ position, which is the middle receiving spot on the wide side of the field.